CODE 2, VOL 33, NO 9 : 03 MAY 2019

Paid travel time for mandatory and/or promotion related training

I wish to remind all members that your union negotiated a clause in CA16 that provides for paid (excess) travel time for members travelling to ‘mandatory and/or promotion related training’ (whether as a participant or a trainer/instructor).

The practical application of the clause is drawn from an agreed policy document, which can be found here.

Members are entitled to make any claim that is in accordance with the policy that dates back to 1 January 2018. This is the date the policy took effect in accordance with clause 56(b) and 85(b) of the CA16.

Your union is aware that QFES have recently rejected claims made by members, including members instructing at Live Fire Campus. However, following formal dispute resolution proceedings at the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, QFES now “acknowledge the policy as written, is unambiguous” and they do not seek to “dispute the content or operation of the policy any further, and will ensure it is implemented”.

I therefore encourage all members who have had genuine claims previously rejected by QFES to make those claims again, and any members that haven’t made previous related claims, due to being unaware of the entitlement, to make those claims as soon as possible.

John Oliver - General Secretary

Authorised by John Oliver General Secretary United Firefighters' Union of Australia, Union of Employees QLD